Warm tributes and thanks have been paid to Andrew Pugh MBE, who has stepped down after ten years as Chairman of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

Interim Chairman Paul Roden, owner of Losehill House Hotel near Hope, and tourist board staff thanked Andrew for a decade of guidance and support at the Palace Hotel in Buxton on Thursday June 26.

Andrew, Managing Director of leading tourist attraction The Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath, has supported the area’s tourism industry for more than 30 years and led the formation of the tourist board, a partnership between the public and private sector charged with marketing the area’s unique assets to potential visitors at home and abroad.

“Andrew has made a tremendous impact on tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire over three decades, and his valued contribution will be much missed,” said David James, Chief Executive at the tourist board.

“Not only did he mastermind Britain’s first alpine-style cable car system at The Heights of Abraham, he was Chairman of the East Midlands Tourist Board for ten years before lending his experience and expertise to help launch and foster Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

“I know I speak for all the tourist board’s staff, Patrons, members and commercial partners when I say a sincere thank you for all he has done and achieved, with the unstinting support of his wife Vanessa, particularly over the past ten years.”

Added Andrew Pugh, who was awarded the MBE for services to tourism in 1993: “I would like to express my appreciation to everyone at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire for their outstanding contribution to the success of the tourist board

over the last decade.

“Your creativity and enthusiasm has established the brand, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, both nationally and internationally to the benefit of all those employed in this area’s tourist industry.

“Thank you for your dedication, hard work and most of all that ‘can do’ spirit. It has indeed been a privilege to have worked with you all.”

Paul Roden said: “Andrew is definitely a difficult act to follow, but I will be aiming to build on his legacy as the tourist board embarks on a brand new era and looks forward to further success in facing the challenges and opportunities of the future.”